Camping in the Colac Otway Shire

To make camping in the Colac Otway Shire an enjoyable experience for everyone, please take a look at the following rules before you arrive.

If you want to set up your campsite on Council owned or managed land, you need a permit.

You must also:

• Keep the campsite clean and tidy.
• Dispose of all rubbish and other waste at the bins provided before you leave.
• Have an approved toilet facility.

You must NOT:

• Wash plates and dishes in public toilet hand basins.
• Use public toilets to dispose of Caravan or Motorhome effluent.
• The nearest dump point for Caravans or Motorhomes is located at Colac Central Caravan Park (showgrounds), Bruce Street, Colac. 

When deciding whether to approve a camping permit on Council owned or managed land, we will consider:

• The location
• The planning zone
• Is it suitable for camping
• How many tents or other structures will be at the campsite
• How long the tents etc will remain at the campsite
• Sanitary facilities
• Whether any damage may be caused
• Any other relevant information

Meredith Park is a free campground maintained by the Colac Otway Shire for the enjoyment and public use of all persons.

If you camp at Meredith Park:

• You will need an online permit if you want to stay longer than 24 hours. There is no charge for camping at Meredith Park.
• Follow the general rules regarding campsite tidiness, toilets and waste disposal.
• Dogs are permitted at the campground. Only trained dogs may be off-leash.
• Campfires are only permitted in designated fire places provided by council.

Apply for online permit here

Once submitted a Colac Otway Shire Council Authorised Officer will issue you with a permit to camp on council owned or managed land.

Please note: this permit does not allocate a site location, sites are available on a first-in basis.

• Fires are only permitted in designated fire places provided by council.
• A person is required to be in attendance at all times while the fire is alight and has the capacity and means to extinguish the fire.
• Supply your own firewood - lopping or removing native vegetation is prohibited.
• All campfires, for cooking, warmth or personal comfort are banned during Total Fire Ban Days.
• Only barbecues that use gas or electricity can be used on Total Fire Ban Days.
• Visit CFA Victoria to find out more about the Fire Danger Period and Fire Danger Ratings.

The Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park offers excellent camping opportunities whether you are looking for a family friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars.

Bookings are required for campsites in The Great Otway National Park (fees apply), visit the Parks Victoria website for more information.

Free Camping is available in the Otways State Forest at these locations:

• Beauchamp Falls
• Dando's
• Stevenson's Falls (open November)
• Aire Crossing

For more information contact our Visitor Information Centre team on 1300 Otways (689 297).